A Gentle, Grounding Guide That Reconnects Us to the Wisdom of Trees

From a scholarly perspective, *Pocket Nature: Tree Hugging* by Emily Han and Gregory Han is more than a charming field guide—it is a subtle manifesto for mindful living, delivered in a beautifully compact and accessible form. This book gracefully bridges ecological knowledge with emotional nourishment, offering readers both scientific insight and contemplative practices grounded in the natural world.

At its core, *Tree Hugging* invites us to pause and listen—not just to the rustle of leaves or the creak of bark in the wind, but to the quiet wisdom trees have offered humanity for millennia. The authors explore foundational botanical elements—the roots, trunk, and crown—with a clarity that makes the information digestible for beginners, while still engaging for seasoned nature enthusiasts. More importantly, they go beyond taxonomy and physiology to emphasize the *relational* role of trees: how they foster forest communities, communicate underground, and offer solace to those who take the time to observe.

What sets this book apart, particularly in the context of current environmental literature, is its balance of practical mindfulness and poetic reverence. Whether introducing readers to the Japanese art of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) or offering gentle prompts for meditative reflection beneath a tree canopy, the book becomes not just a guide, but a companion—perfect for slipping into a backpack before a hike or a slow walk in the park.

Aesthetically, *Pocket Nature: Tree Hugging* is also a triumph. The illustrations are elegant and whimsical, complementing the text’s light but intentional tone. Its petite size and thoughtful design make it a delightful gift—whether for a budding naturalist, a meditation practitioner, or anyone feeling disconnected in the digital age.

In summary, Han and Han have created something quietly powerful: a book that educates without lecturing, inspires without preaching, and reminds us that some of life’s most profound lessons are rooted—quite literally—in the trees around us. Highly recommended for readers of *The Hidden Life of Trees*, *The Overstory*, or anyone seeking to slow down and reengage with the natural world.

It's very hard to describe this pocket book. It does have some elements of a nature guide, but reads more like prose. It's not a guide to different species of trees, but rather a very simple descriptive of the structure and purpose of trees in our environment. It appears to be written at the level of a grade-schooler, but it's difficult to say whether today's kids would be interested in a book with so few pictures. Clearly trees have a very important place in the hearts of the authors--it shows in their writing. So, I'd encourage potential readers to consider what they're looking for in a book about trees. If you want a guide to identification, this isn't your book. But, if you'd like to read about trees from the perspective of these authors or to introduce a child to the wonder of trees, then this might be a good choice.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Has anyone suggested you meet a tree and subsequently form a relationship with it? In this small book, the Hans do just that and provide the tools to effectively launch a commune with one of nature’s most critical resources. They encourage a sensory experience that includes resting your hands on the bark, smelling its woody scent, listening to leaves rustle or the quiet creaks as the tree sways with the wind. Some practical information includes tree categories and components such as roots and crowns, and how trees affect the landscape and support the planet’s water cycle. There is practical information about the differences between species and the role trees play in making the world habitable. This small and inspiring book would make an excellent gift.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

The forest, the woods, trees, that's my happy place. This book really is like a pocket guide; short, and full of good information. Some of this I knew, some things were new, all are interesting. A wonderful guide for anybody looking for a short introduction into the basics of forest bathing, grounding benefits, and peaceful observation. Discover how spending time in a forest can offer physical and mental healing, a sense of peacefulness, a sense of wonder.

What a lovely book—gentle in tone yet rich in wonder. For those just beginning to explore the world of trees, it offers an inviting journey through their intricate physiology, the quiet power of keystone species, and the wisdom different cultures have drawn from them for centuries. The prose is warm and conversational, avoiding dense scientific jargon while never talking down to the reader. Soft, earthy hues and thoughtful design give the pages a natural harmony, while generous white space invites you to linger. It’s the kind of book that feels as much like an object of beauty as a source of knowledge—one I’d proudly keep on display for all to enjoy.

Perfect for any tree/nature lover, from beginner to advanced. I love the use of quotes throughout and the simple yet beautiful illustrations. The "How To" sections ("how to move with trees", "how to establish a relationship") are a great touch as well, as they made this book more personable and interactive rather than just stating facts like a textbook.

"Pocket Nature: Tree Hugging" by Emily and Gregory Han is a charming little celebration of trees and our deep connection to them. I’m always drawn to Chronicle Books for their thoughtful subjects and appealing design, and this one delivers both. The whimsical illustrations are sweet, though I found myself wishing for a few breathtaking photographs to match the beauty of the text.

This is a quick, enjoyable read for anyone who loves nature, especially those who can’t imagine life without trees. I especially loved the section on tree-related language, from the Japanese komorebi (the shimmering dance of sunlight through leaves) to the German waldeinsamkeit (the wistful solitude of the woods). The extensive resource list in the back is a wonderful touch, and it’s clear the authors have a deep respect and affection for their subject.

I’ll be coming back to this one when I have more time to savor its details, but for now, I can say it left me wanting to get outside and hug a tree. 🌳

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the eARC of this book.

I didnt like this one as much as the bird one in the same series. This one had less information on identifying trees and just more generally about them.

I thought this was a cute little book that both taught me more about different types of trees and how to broadly identify them, as well as giving ideas on how to engage more mindfully with nature.

I adored this!! I’m actually obsessed, I’ve looked up the whole series and am definitely planning to get them all. I think this book is a great resource right now, it’s got a lot of good basic info for new tree-huggers like me!

"To know a tree is to also know a place."

My little naturalist heart absolutely fell in live with this little book. The comforting prose, the stories that feel like home, the simple two-color line illustrations, and most of all, the trees. I'm taken back to my childhood climbing trees, and I'm reminded why adult me aspires to save them.

"Spending one-on-one time with a tree invites us to adopt a beginner's mind as we trace the curve of a branch, peer into the crevice of a knotty trunk, listen to the call of a bird perched high above, or marvel at the glimmer of sunlight dancing through leaves."

Thank you to Emily Han, Gregory Han, Chronicle Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a beautifully written book and a wonderful introduction to the science and magic of trees. It covers quite a few topics related to trees and their relationships with the plants, fungi, algae, animals, insects, environment, and humans around them, educating the reader and in turn providing accessible and inclusive exercises to acquaint themselves with the trees in their area on a more personal level, wherever they are in the world.

I'm a gardener, and I found myself gleefully looking up information on the MANY trees and plants referenced in the text. I learned so much, especially as a person working outside with these beauties every day.

There were a few opportunities wherein further definition and explanation of terminology would have been helpful for a layperson, but not to the extent that the reader would feel excluded from the material if they didn't know exactly what the term meant. It also would have been lovely to have gone a little deeper into some subjects! I was left with the desire to do further research.

Overall, this was a wonderfully informative and inspiring read, with a gentle call to action to form relationships nature, to be mindful and care deeply, and to support local trees however possible, with recommendations and examples provided by the authors.

Inclusive, applicable to life, and grounding, this is a lovely read for anyone interested in learning more about their surroundings and building a lasting relationship with trees.

The first thing I saw at my grandmas house was how her big old tree was growing so much it was cracking the cement in the yard.; I remember my uncle wanting to tear it down and my grandma not letting him. This gives more insight into why we need more trees

Another delightful Pocket Nature book! This book would make an awesome addition to any amateur naturalists library. It would also be a great foundation for a school unit study. Loved the simplicity and loveliness of this sweet little book. The only reason this book was a 4 star (rather than 5 star) rating was that I wish it had been a bit longer and included a few more of the wonderful illustrations.

Looking forward to adding a paper copy of this to my home library!

This book is beautifully written complimented with stunning, immersive illustrations that truly bring this book to life. The information is presented in an engaging and easily digestible manner. Throughout the book, the authors genuine passion and knowledge for nature shines through.

Beautifully written book about the magnificence of trees. Filled with pretty illustrations. Stories and information about the synchronicities between humans and trees, how we are intertwined. Tips on how to involve nature in our lives.

Great book that should help change the perspective on how we view trees. It also gives practical steps on implementing nature bathing and tree appreciation in everyday life.